Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3987) to amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the applicability of identity theft guidelines to creditors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of the Red Flag Program Clarification Act of 2010. This legislation, which I introduced in the House, will narrow the scope of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003.

The FACT Act directed the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate rules requiring creditors to implement programs to detect and respond to so-called red flags that could indicate identity theft. Clearly, we all agree that identity theft is a serious problem and we must respond with strong regulations to protect consumers. That was the intent of the Congress in 2003. This Congress shares that intent.

However, we need to be careful that the laws we pass address the problem and do so in a way that doesn't adversely and unfairly impact small businesses. America's small businesses are struggling in today's tough economy. Congress needs to work in a bipartisan manner to find commonsense solutions to help America's small businesses remain as competitive as possible so they can create good-paying jobs.

I am pleased the House is taking up my legislation that will reduce burdensome regulations on small businesses. The purpose of the Red Flag Program Clarification Act is to limit the type of creditor that must be covered by the FTC's Red Flags Rule.

When I think of the word ``creditor,'' dentists, accounting firms, and law firms do not come to mind. However, the FACT Act, as read by the FTC, states that these professions and others will be required to comply with Red Flag's regulations. It is clear when Congress wrote the law, they never contemplated including these types of businesses within the broad scope of that law. The FTC, to its great credit, has already delayed implementation of the Red Flags Rule numerous times because of this issue. And I want to thank FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz for his understanding that Congress in no way intended back in 2003 to include these sorts of businesses in the broad scope of the FACT Act.

We must act by the end of this year to head off the potentially damaging impact of this rule, and I am pleased this bill, this bipartisan bill, will provide a permanent solution to this problem. The Senate passed this bill unanimously. The House passed similar legislation, which I co-wrote with Mr. Broun and Mr. Simpson, last year by a narrow vote of 400-0.

I want to thank my colleagues, particularly Congressman Broun and Congressman Simpson, along with Mr. Maffei and Mr. Lee, for their leadership on this issue. I also wish to thank, once again, Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus for allowing this bill to come to the floor. We worked together on a bipartisan basis to solve a problem. Today we achieve a worthy balance the right way, a bipartisan solution to a nonpartisan problem.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation that is so important to our small businesses.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson) and I agree. We agree on lots of things. And we also agree, I think, that this Chamber should see more bills like this, more processes like this.

The House and Senate actually cooperated and got something good done that helps our small businesses, that helps Americans all across this country and that brings a little bit of common sense.

A few years ago, Congress tried to do a good thing and overreached just a little bit with good intent over each little bit. As Mr. Simpson acknowledged, we saw the problem. Chairman Leibowitz of the FTC also saw the problem, and we worked together. The bureaucracy was not inflexible. It showed some restraint and didn't impose an additional burden on small businesses--on the doctors and dentists and lawyers

around the country, who are clearly not creditors. So, for once, the process kind of worked.

This gives hope to the people who will be serving in the next Congress. They can work together on a bipartisan basis. This gives hope to people like me, who are leaving at the end of this term, that Congress will continue to function, in some way, in a bipartisan, commonsense manner.

I am satisfied we've done a good job here.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore who are being honored as the 2010 Women Advocate of the Year by the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. More than 15,000 girls between the ages of 5 and 17 belong to the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. With the help of 6,000 adult volunteers, they become successful women of courage, confidence and character.

As our nation moves forward into the 21st century, it is clear we will need women leaders and problem solvers to keep our nation prosperous. At an early age, the Girl Scouts program instills in our women a sense of pride, leadership and community. The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore prepares the young women of Ocean County to be our nation's next business, civic and community leaders. As the Women Advocate of the Year, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore are well on their way to ensuring a bright future for our state and nation.

By providing quality programs and important community services, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore represent a distinct group of women here in the third district. I am proud to represent them here in Congress and encourage them to continue to give back to those around them whether through charitable acts or civic duty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the passage of H.R. 5458.

Like all of my colleagues, I receive thousands of pieces of mail a week. When a letter from my constituent Ryan Bryski came across my desk I knew I had to act.

Ryan's brother Christopher, for whom this bill is named, was a young man attending Rutgers University when he suffered a traumatic brain injury after an accidental fall.

Christopher was in a vegetative state for 2 years before his passing in 2006.

For a parent, that situation would have been enough to endure, but for the Bryski family, their suffering was far more than just the loss of their youngest son.

Like most college students, Christopher had to borrow money to finance his education.

He had received loans through both the Federal Government as well as a private lender. Like most college aged kids, Christopher did not have enough credit to receive a private loan on his own, so his father Joseph cosigned his loan.

Federal loans discharge upon the death of a student, however private loans do not. Since Joseph cosigned Christopher's loan he was now responsible to pay it back in full.

This situation puzzled the Bryski family because nowhere in their loan contract was a clause specifying what would happen to the loan upon the borrower or cosigner's death or disability.

Their lender told them that according to the bank Christopher's persistent vegetative state and subsequent death was a simple ``inability to pay,'' so the financial burden was placed on Joseph.

This was not the only problem the Bryskis encountered after their son's fatal accident.

Due to the fact that Christopher was over 18 when he left home to attend school he was, according to the law, an adult who was able to make his own financial, legal, and health care decisions.

With Christopher in a vegetative state, his parent needed to maintain his financial standing with his school, as well as pay his bills and fulfill all of his contracts.

The Bryskis spent countless time and money regaining custody of their own son so that they could prevent him from defaulting on other bills in case he should recover.

They were not only being responsible parents, but responsible Americans.

The Bryskis also endured a personal interview of Christopher, so that the courts could be sure Christopher was indeed unable to make decisions on his behalf. Literally, someone from the court came to Christopher's hospital room and yelled in his face to ensure that he would not respond and he was indeed in a vegetative state.

As a father of 4 boys, 2 of whom are in college, I cannot imagine going through what the Bryskis went through.

This is why I introduced H.R. 5458 the Christopher Bryski Student Loan Protection Act or Christopher's Law.

This bill would help prevent other families from going through what the Bryskis did by ensuring that private educational lenders clearly describe the obligations of borrowers and cosigners upon their death or disability--what the banks call ``an inability to pay.'' The rest of us would call it a family tragedy.

Christopher's Law will also urge the Federal Reserve Board to adopt and interpret the same definitions of death and disability as the Department of Education, mainstreaming and clarifying the law.

This bill does not require that private loans be discharged in case of death or disability. It simply requires private educational lenders to define death and disability so that borrowers and cosigners can refer to these definitions should a catastrophe happen to their family.

It also states that the private education lender as well as the Federal Government must provide information on creating a durable power of attorney to handle the borrower's financial affairs should the borrower be unable to make those decisions on their own.

In other words, borrower and lender must be on the same page.

Since I introduced this legislation I have been approached by other families in my district with the same problems the Bryskis encountered.

Giving students and their families more choices to protect them against disability or death is an important step. Our ultimate goal should be giving all students and families this protection. I would urge lenders to consider looking at student loan debt forgiveness in the case of death or disability as the Federal Government does. This is also an area where the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could play a role, and that agency does not need to wait for an act of Congress.

I believe this is a common-sense bipartisan piece of legislation that deserves the support of this entire body.

I would like to thank Chairman Miller and Chairman Frank for bringing this important legislation to the floor.

I urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, I am extremely pleased to honor the Evesham Twinning Association on their 20th Anniversary of their ``twin town'' relationship between Evesham, New Jersey and Evesham, England. The year 2010 marks 20 years that the two towns of Evesham have shared a formal relationship of friendship.

The little known tradition of twin towns began after World War II to promote international relationships. This tradition was meant to unite a global community to guard against animosity between cultures. While still a new concept in the United States, twin towns has a rich tradition in Europe that fosters appreciation of other cultures and creates bonds between communities.

This tradition of acceptance of similarities and differences between Evesham, New Jersey and Evesham, England has been fostered for 20 years as guests from both countries have visited their twin town and become part of each other's families. The festivities for the 20th Anniversary of these two towns include a cultural convergence, as the Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham, England and Evesham, New Jersey will exchange gifts. Also, a ceremony with the Cherokee High School Girls Traveling Choir and the Boy Scout Troop #100 from Marlton will promote cultural unity between the two towns.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my fellow representatives of the House join me in congratulating the Evesham Twinning Association on their 20th Anniversary and the citizens of both New Jersey and England who have spent the last 20 years cultivating this cherished relationship. I am proud to be able to represent these exceptional citizens and their British brethren.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sgt. Raymond Joseph Drennan, who is being honored with the Purple Heart that he earned while fighting the enemy at Okinawa on May 18, 1945. This honor is long overdue and serves as a reminder of the great sacrifices given by our military personnel from all generations.

Mr. Drennan served as a Sergeant in the 29th Battalion of the Marines 6th Division. He was under heavy duress while pinned in a foxhole, and he was injured in the line of fire. Mr. Drennan suffered an exit wound, but kept fighting with his battalion. The battle fought at Okinawa saw 62,000 American casualties: the bloodiest battle experienced in the Pacific war.

The men and women of our Armed Forces serve with an incomparable sense of duty. Mr. Drennan, like many men and women that wear the military uniform, served selflessly and with only his country's interest in mind. The Adler family, and families all across New Jersey, are eternally grateful for Mr. Drennan's service.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this great American hero. Without his sacrifice, and the sacrifice of those like him, we would not share the freedoms that we have today. It is important to remember the duty laid upon our men and women in the military from past generations and those who will serve in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5458) to amend the Truth in Lending Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require additional disclosures and protections for students and cosigners with respect to student loans, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the passage of H.R. 5458.

Like all of my colleagues, I receive thousands of pieces of mail each week. When a letter from my constituent Ryan Bryski came across my desk, I knew I had to act.

Ryan's brother Christopher, for whom this bill is named, was a young man attending Rutgers University when he suffered a traumatic brain injury after an accidental fall. Christopher was in a vegetative state for 2 years before his passing in 2006. For a parent, that situation would have been enough to endure, but for the Bryski family, their suffering was far more than just the loss of a youngest son.

Like most college students, Christopher had to borrow money to finance an education. He had received loans through both the Federal Government as well as a private lender. Likes most college age kids, Christopher did not have enough credit to receive a private loan on his own, so his father Joseph cosigned his loan.

Federal loans discharge upon the death of a student. However, private loans do not. Since Joseph cosigned Christopher's loan, he was now responsible to pay it back in full. The situation puzzled the Bryski family because nowhere in their loan contract was a clause specifying what would happen to the loan upon the borrower or cosigner's death or disability. Their lender told them that according to the bank, Christopher's persistent vegetative state and subsequent death was a simple inability to pay, so the financial burden was placed on Joseph.

This was not the only problem the Bryskis encountered after their son's fatal accident. Due to the fact that Christopher was over 18 when he left home to attend school, he was, according to the law, an adult who was able to make his own financial, legal, and health care decisions.

With Christopher in a vegetative state, his parents needed to maintain his financial standing with the school,

as well as pay the bills and fulfill all his contracts. The Bryskis spent countless time and money regaining custody of their son so that they could prevent him from defaulting on other bills in case he should recover.

They were not only being responsible parents, but responsible Americans.

The Bryskis also endured a personal interview of Christopher so that the court could be sure Christopher was unable to make decisions on his behalf. Literally, someone from the court came to Christopher's hospital room and yelled in his face to ensure that he would not respond and that he was indeed in a vegetative state.

As a father of four boys, two of whom are in college, I cannot imagine going through what the Bryskis went through. This is why I introduced H.R. 5458, the Christopher Bryski Student Loan Protection Act, or Christopher's Law. This bill would help prevent other families from going through what the Bryskis did by ensuring that private educational lenders clearly describe the obligations of borrowers and cosigners upon their death or disability--what the banks call ``an inability to pay.'' The rest of us would call it a family tragedy.

Christopher's Law will also urge the Federal Reserve Board to adopt and interpret the same definitions of death and disability as the Department of Education, which has used these definitions for many, many years. This bill does not require that private loans be discharged in case of death or disability. It simply requires private educational lenders to define death and disability so borrowers and their cosigners can refer to these definitions should a catastrophe happen to their family. It also states that private education lenders as well as the Federal Government must provide information on creating a durable power of attorney to handle the borrower's financial affairs should the borrower be unable to make those decisions on their own. In other words, the borrower and the lender must be on the same page.

Since I introduced this legislation, I have been approached by many other families in my district with similar problems as the Bryskis encountered. I believe this is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that deserves the support of the entire body.

I would like to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Kline, Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus, for bringing this important legislation to the floor, and, frankly, minority staff, for improving this legislation with amendments just in the last few days. It is the way we're supposed to be doing business for the people of our great country. I urge its passage.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman from Alabama.

I am glad he mentioned the Bryski family. Ryan Bryski, the brother of Christopher, is in the gallery. I thank him and his family for sharing what they went through so we can avoid other families going through what you went through. I join Mr. Bachus in having Christopher and other families similarly situated in our prayers. But, Ryan, I thank you personally for your guidance in this.

I think this is a wonderful example of people trying to work together to solve a people problem. I share some of Mr. Bachus' concerns that maybe we have too many disclosures from time to time. I would be eager to work with the Member to try to work that out going forward and streamline the process. But I think this is simple legislation that is appropriate to meet a need that comes up every so often with tragic circumstances beyond the actual injury, disability, and death of young people.

I urge strong and immediate passage of this bill.

announcement by the speaker pro tempore

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 1st Lieutenant Kirsten C. Coty, a courageous American hero, who recently returned from serving her country honorably in Iraq. First Lt. Coty's military service first began in March 2007, when she joined the Security Forces of the U.S. Air Force. She went on to complete her Air Force Officer Training in San Antonio, Texas before being assigned to the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

In August 2009, 1st Lt. Coty was deployed to Joint Base Balad in Iraq as part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. In January 2010, she was reassigned to the United States Air Forces Central and extended her commitment of service through August 2010. Upon returning from Iraq, 1st Lt. Coty has been assigned again to the 90th Security Forces Squadron at the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Characteristic to her distinguished service, 1st Lt. Coty continues to exemplify the strong character and bravery of the men and women who have put their lives at risk to fight to keep our country safe and free.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing 1st Lt. Kirsten C. Coty for her bravery, dedication and achievements. The American people owe her a great debt of gratitude for her selfless service to our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 526 on H. Res. 1620, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yea'' when I should have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Beverly Keelers, an outstanding African American women's softball team, created during the 1920's by Mrs. Margaret Hicks Morris and her sister in Beverly, New Jersey.

The Beverly Keelers, also known as the ``Killers,'' played softball up and down the East Coast. The Keelers took on all competition including opponents of the opposite sex. The Keelers were considered iconic during their time and in a tumultuous period in our nation's history, they reminded others of the diversity that made America the greatest nation on Earth. The Keelers captivated its local audience, even leading to a local businessman to incentivize the team for reaching benchmarks like strikeouts, homeruns and shutouts. In 1938, the Keelers earned the auspicious honor of a state championship by beating a team from Elizabeth, New Jersey.

While the team eventually disbanded, it reorganized in the 1950's as the Beverly Amazons and continued its success for many more years.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of this groundbreaking women's softball team whose love for the sport brought pleasure and inspiration to many.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize a constituent and a true American hero.

United States Army Specialist Maurice Russell Anderson, from Willingboro, New Jersey, recently returned home from combat on August 28th, 2010. While assigned to the 1st Squadron 89th Cavalry based in Fort Drum, New York, Specialist Anderson was deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Along with his fellow unit members, he served with honor to protect our nation. Specialist Anderson was shot and wounded in combat while conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

Specialist Anderson's devotion to his country during his combat time in Iraq is an example of true patriotism. I want to take this time to recognize his unwavering dedication to our nation and, on behalf of the United States Congress, thank him for his selfless service on the frontlines in Iraq and for his honorable contributions to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor The Haitian Foundation of New Jersey and their outstanding charitable work on behalf of the Haitian communities in New Jersey and the people of Haiti.

Led by President Luna Cadley-Jeanty, The Haitian Foundation of New Jersey addresses the thoughts and concerns of the local Haitian Community, and performs charitable work which benefits the entire community. The foundation's membership represents various religious, professional, social, fraternal, educational, woman, youth, and senior citizen groups throughout the Garden State. The group's multiculturalism and tolerance has benefitted New Jersey in numerable ways.

This year when a disastrous earthquake hit Haiti, The Haitian Foundation quickly put together a large-scale local relief effort. As part of their efforts to aid the earthquake victims, they collected lifesaving supplies which went directly to the nation of Haiti. The Haitian Foundation also served as an invaluable way for Haiti to benefit from the New Jersey's generous spirit. The Haitian Foundation helped guide many organizations seeking to help the people of Haiti.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring The Haitian Foundation for their outstanding and dedicated service for those in the Haitian communities in New Jersey and in Haiti.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the efforts of 21+ Incorporated, which ensures fire safety in group homes for disabled persons. 21+ in Toms River, New Jersey provides opportunities to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

21+ was horrified to find that various group homes do not have certain fire prevention tools such as sprinkler systems. Once 21+ discovered that New Jersey's Department of Development Disabilities would provide funds to retrofit group homes with sprinkler systems, they made it a priority to help make the community safer. By adding sprinklers, 21+ plus ensures the safety of one of Ocean County's most vulnerable populations.

Especially during these tough times, we must commit to enriching the community around us. 21+ took it upon themselves to fix a major problem facing group homes in Ocean County. Due to their efforts, 21+ has improved life for the residents of New Jersey's Third District.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Toms River Fire Prevention Bureau, the NJ DDD and 21+ for all their efforts to improve the safety of the residents of Ocean County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Robert C. Messina as he is honored by the non-profit, Main Street Mt. Holly, at their Gala at the Gallows event on Friday, September 10th. Dr. Messina is president of Burlington County College and is an esteemed community leader.

Throughout Dr. Messina's 15 years of administrative leadership, Burlington County College has experienced unprecedented growth and development in the community and in the academic field. He has gained recognition for his work not just as a college administrator, but as an experienced educator, researcher, and contributor to local, state and national affairs.

In addition to his efforts on behalf of Burlington County College, Dr. Messina serves the community as an active board member of the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Southern New Jersey, promoting business activities and programs which contribute to the economic health of the region. As a member of the boards of the board of directors for the Deborah Heart and Lung Center, and a former board member for Memorial Health Alliance, he has contributed to studies and other programs aimed at identifying health issues and needs in the community-at-large.

For his efforts on behalf of the State of New Jersey and Burlington County, he has been recognized by several prestigious organizations on a local and national level, including the Boy Scouts of America, American Association of Community Colleges, and the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Robert Messina is a truly extraordinary educational and community leader. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Dr. Robert Messina for his dedication and achievements. The people of your community, the people of New Jersey, and the people of America thank you for your outstanding service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lance Corporal James M. Ferrara who received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for meritorious duty on March 13, 2010. While on duty as patrolman at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, Lance Corporal Ferrara was dispatched to the base motor pool after he received reports of an injured person. Without hesitation, Lance Corporal Ferrara rushed off to the scene and quickly identified the victim who was suffering from a severe laceration with substantial loss of blood. Drawing upon his extensive emergency medical training, Lance Corporal Ferrara immediately delivered first aid, and probably saved the victim's life.

The men and women of our Armed Forces serve with an incomparable sense of duty. They are willing to sacrifice their lives to keep our country safe and free. In his service, Lance Corporal Ferrara exemplified the bravery and courage routinely displayed by those who serve in our military. The residents of New Jersey's Third District are grateful for the service of Lance Corporal Ferrara.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lance Corporal Ferrara for his bravery and responsiveness under challenging circumstances.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of the Toms River National Little League team, who recently returned home from the 2010 Little League World Series. I join the constituents of New Jersey's 3rd District and the State of New Jersey in displaying an immense amount of pride for this inspiring and hard-working team.

Carrying on a tradition of great Jersey Shore baseball, this group of 13 young little league stars played their hearts out to win an impressive 10 straight elimination games. They went all the way to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, representing the U.S. Mid-Atlantic Division with spirit and determination. They returned home to the hero's welcome they deserve by the Toms River community.

The team was one of only eight out of some 16,000 Little League teams across the country to make it so far in the series. It was the fourth Toms River squad and the 10th in the state to ever reach to the World Series.

Regardless of what the scoreboard read, the athletes of the Toms River National team are winners. These young athletes learned valuable life lessons such as the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, while meeting and developing bonds with other players from countries all over the world.

It is with great honor that I place the names of this year's Toms River Nationals Little League team into the Congressional Record. Under the leadership of Manager Paul Decegile and coaches Karl Blum and John Lazzaro, assistants Russell Petranto Sr., Tom Tiplady, Ronnie Marinaccio, Larry Ciervo, Ronnie Marinaccio Jr., Nic Lebar, and Ryan Deceglie, team members Anthony Deceglie, Billy Lumi, Russell Petranto, Patrick Marinaccio, Joey Rose, Zack Burns, Joey Hertgen, Kevin Blum, Johnny Lazzaro, Jake Loffredo, Cody Lebar, Michael Tiplady, and Jeff Ciervo made their hometown, their State, and this Congressman very proud.